Rehabilitation science is a field on the move—shaped by emerging technologies, shifting population needs, and a growing emphasis on holistic, movement-based care. Once rooted primarily in biomechanics and motor control, the field now touches everything from injury prevention and aging to workplace ergonomics, communication disorders, and wellness innovation.
One reason is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), wearable devices, and smart health tech, which are transforming how data is collected and applied in real time. “Advances in technology have made it much easier to record physiological signals,” says Christopher Hasson, an associate professor in Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences at Bouvé College of Health Sciences. “But the field needs people who are trained to analyze, interpret and understand these signals to use them to advance rehabilitation and wellness.”
For early-career professionals, this transformation means new pathways are opening—many of which didn’t exist just a few years ago. Whether you’re already working in patient care or looking to break into the field, now is a pivotal time to align your skills with the future of rehabilitation.
These changes are also reshaping roles. Interdisciplinary collaboration is the norm, with rehabilitation experts working alongside engineers, designers, and data scientists to create smarter tools and better outcomes. Here are ten in-demand rehabilitation science jobs defining the next chapter of this exciting field.
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Top 10 In-Demand Rehabilitation Science Jobs
Kinesiologist / Exercise Physiologist
Kinesiologists and exercise physiologists focus on analyzing how the human body moves—with the goal of improving performance, preventing injury, and supporting recovery. These professionals apply principles of biomechanics, motor learning, and physiology to assess and optimize movement in a variety of populations like athletes or aging adults.
Some key skills professionals need in these roles include:
- Biomechanics
- Movement analysis
- Data interpretation and reporting
These roles are well-suited to clinical research environments, sports performance labs, wellness programs, and human-centered technology companies. The ability to interpret complex movement data is increasingly valued as tools like motion sensors and digital performance platforms become more common. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a ten percent growth in employment for exercise physiologists from 2022 to 2032—faster than the average for all occupations. This growing demand places kinesiologists at the forefront of data-informed rehabilitation and performance initiatives.
2. Movement Data Analyst
The global wearable technology market is projected to grow from $61.3 billion in 2022 to $186.1 billion by 2030, driven largely by health monitoring and performance analytics. And as wearable technology becomes more integrated into healthcare and performance settings, professionals who can make sense of the data it generates are in high demand. Movement data analysts take raw inputs from motion sensors, pressure mats, and electromyography devices and translate them into actionable insights that inform patient care, athletic training, or product design.
Some key skills professionals need in this role include:
- Data cleaning, processing, and visualization
- Statistical modeling and experimental design
- Knowledge of biomechanics
These roles require both a fluency in data science and a solid understanding of human movement. Analysts often collaborate with engineers, clinicians, and researchers to identify trends, test interventions, and refine smart technologies. As Hasson notes, data alone isn’t enough—organizations need professionals who can extract meaning and value from it.
3. Product Development Specialist
As the market for health-related tools grows, companies are seeking specialists who understand both human physiology and the product lifecycle. For example, product development specialists in human performance tech help bridge the gap between research and real-world application—offering insights that shape smarter, more user-centered designs. According to the BLS, jobs in product design and development are projected to grow by six percent between 2022 and 2032, with a notable increase in demand for professionals in health tech.
Some top skills professionals need to succeed in this role include:
- Human biomechanics
- Physiological data collection and interpretation
- Collaboration with cross-functional teams
These professionals might assist in validating motion-sensing technologies, run usability testing with real users, or collaborate with engineering teams to ensure performance devices meet real-world needs. Their knowledge of human movement makes them especially valuable in translating lab findings into effective, market-ready products.
4. Physical Therapist
Physical therapy is a well-established role, but demand remains strong as new tools and team-based care change how treatment is delivered and measured. Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed healthcare professionals who hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and help individuals restore mobility, manage pain, and regain strength following injury, surgery, or the onset of chronic conditions. Through hands-on care, targeted exercise programs, and patient education, they guide people through the recovery process and help them maintain long-term physical function.
PTs work across a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and home health environments. They collaborate closely with physicians, occupational therapists, and other members of the care team to develop individualized treatment plans that address each patient’s specific goals and limitations.
Some essential skills physical therapists rely on include:
- Functional movement assessment
- Musculoskeletal rehabilitation techniques
- Clinical treatment planning
As the healthcare system increasingly emphasizes preventative and non-invasive care, physical therapists are playing a central role in helping people stay active, recover safely, and live with greater independence. In fact, employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032 according to BLS.
5. Clinical Research Coordinator
Clinical research coordinators play a vital role in advancing rehabilitation science by managing the day-to-day operations of research studies. From coordinating participants and overseeing protocols to ensuring compliance and data integrity, they help bridge scientific inquiry and practical execution.
These professionals are often embedded within hospitals, academic research centers, or private-sector innovation teams—especially in settings focused on human movement, injury prevention, or assistive technology. Their ability to manage timelines, communicate with multidisciplinary teams, and translate complex findings into clear documentation makes them essential to the success of clinical and applied research.
Top competencies of clinical research coordinators in the field include:
- Research design and methodology
- Regulatory compliance
- Scientific writing and reporting
As rehabilitation research expands into areas like neurological recovery, digital health, and user-centered technology, clinical research coordinators serve as the operational backbone of studies that are pushing the field forward.
6. Clinical Product Support Specialist
Clinical product support specialists play a key role in the successful implementation of healthcare technologies by acting as the bridge between product development teams and clinical users. They provide on-the-ground support and training, ensuring rehabilitation tools—like movement tracking devices, wearable sensors, or assessment software—are used effectively and safely in real-world settings.
Rather than designing the product themselves, these specialists focus on educating clinicians, gathering user feedback, and relaying insights back to development teams. “You’re not actually the person doing the design,” says Mathew Yarossi, Program Director of the MS in Human Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences at Bouvé College of Health Sciences. “You’re the person who goes out and trains the staff how to use the product.” It’s a hybrid role that blends elements of research and development, education, and customer success, with a strong clinical lens.
Professionals in the field often have the following skill sets:
- Deep understanding of rehabilitation tools and technology
- Strong communication and training capabilities
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
This role is especially valuable in fast-moving health tech environments, which is reflected in the average compensation—$80,534 per year, with total compensation often exceeding $100,000.
7. Rehabilitation Specialist
Rehabilitation specialists work directly with individuals recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions, or seeking to improve physical function. They focus on designing and guiding personalized rehabilitation plans that support mobility, strength, and independence across a wide range of patient populations.
While the title may vary across settings, these professionals often collaborate with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and medical teams to deliver integrated care. Their ability to translate movement science into practical therapeutic interventions makes them valuable in both clinical and wellness environments. Depending on their background and scope of practice, they may focus on musculoskeletal rehab, neurological recovery, or functional mobility training.
If you’re interested in becoming a rehabilitation specialist, you’ll need to understand:
- Rehabilitation protocols
- Patient communication
- Functional assessments
With growing demand for holistic, movement-based care, rehabilitation specialists are playing an increasingly important role in hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and fitness-focused wellness centers.
8. Corporate Wellness Specialist
Corporate wellness specialists focus on improving employee health and well-being through targeted programming that supports movement, reduces injury risk, and fosters a healthier work environment. By combining knowledge of exercise science, ergonomics, and behavior change, they develop initiatives that address everything from posture-related strain to stress management.
These professionals often conduct fitness and risk assessments, lead workshops or wellness challenges, and advise on workplace design to improve long-term health outcomes. With musculoskeletal issues being a leading cause of workplace injuries, their work has a direct impact on employee performance and organizational costs.
Some essential skills you’ll need in this position include:
- Health / fitness assessment
- Program planning and implementation
- Ergonomic risk evaluation
Whether supporting office workers or industrial teams, corporate wellness specialists are helping companies take a proactive approach to health—transforming employee care from reactive treatment to everyday prevention.
9. AI and Technology Integration Specialist
The global healthcare artificial intelligence (AI) market is projected to reach $187 billion by 2030, and as a result, there’s a growing need for professionals who understand both rehabilitation science and digital tools. AI and technology integration specialists work at this intersection—applying data-driven systems to enhance decision-making, personalize care, and improve outcomes across the rehabilitation continuum.
These specialists may support the development or implementation of technologies that integrate with electronic health records, automate functional assessments, or analyze movement data in real time. “Considering the wide spread implementation of AI in healthcare systems as well as the prevalence of EHR systems, people in the field are starting to think about how it’s going to affect different specialties,” Yarossi says. “For example some are considering what physical therapy might look like in the future.”
If you want to work in this emerging role in rehabilitation science, you’ll need to focus on developing the following skills:
- Health informatics
- Understanding of rehabilitation workflows
- Cross-functional collaboration
As the industry explores how smart tools can augment care delivery, AI and tech integration specialists are poised to help bridge the gap between traditional rehabilitation practices and the future of intelligent, connected health.
10. Research and Development Engineer in Rehabilitation
Research and development engineers in rehabilitation sit at the forefront of health innovation—creating new tools, devices, and digital systems that enhance patient outcomes and improve how care is delivered. These professionals blend engineering expertise with a deep understanding of human movement and recovery, working on everything from wearable feedback systems to adaptive rehabilitation robotics.
Often embedded within interdisciplinary teams, research and development engineers collaborate with clinicians, data scientists, and product designers to bring cutting-edge ideas into real-world practice. “We try to train students on how to participate in R&D since there are a lot of opportunities for this kind of work at major companies,” Yarossi adds. For example, major human performance brands like New Balance and Reebok need this expertise.
The top skills of professionals in this role include:
- Biomedical / mechanical engineering
- Design thinking
- Prototyping
Whether improving mobility devices or refining digital platforms for physical therapy, research and development engineers are helping drive the next generation of solutions at the intersection of healthcare and technology.
Preparing for the Future of Rehabilitation Science
The top careers in rehabilitation science reflect a rapidly evolving field—blending clinical care, data analysis, and human-centered innovation. Whether you’re drawn to movement science, physical therapy, or emerging roles in tech and product development, each path demands a unique mix of skills and an adaptable mindset.
Graduate programs at Northeastern University’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences, such as the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and the MS in Human Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, offer a strong foundation for many of these roles. These programs emphasize hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world application—key ingredients for success in this field.
For more specialized careers in areas like engineering or informatics though, additional background in those fields may be necessary. However, Bouvé’s interdisciplinary approach with other Northeastern schools gives students opportunities to explore electives and partnerships across disciplines, helping them tailor their education to their goals.
